1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1983 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1983 Nissan Skyline is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Nissan Skyline (93 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 50 kg more than 1981 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1983 Nissan Skyline (149 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina. 1983 Nissan Skyline has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Nissan Skyline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 1983 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2620 mm |
